Guide to Eastern Shiga

This area, which includes Hikone, Higashi-omi, and Omi-Hachiman, is a region defined by its magnificent castles and deeply rooted traditional culture.

Overview of Eastern Shiga

Eastern Shiga is home to Hikone, Higashi-omi, and Omi-Hachiman, where castles and traditional culture thrive.

Hikone City is a castle town that retains its historic charm, allowing visitors to experience local traditions through its streetscape and cultural sites.

Higashi-omi offers a mix of historic temples, traditional industries, and beautiful rural landscapes, providing a glimpse into authentic Shiga life.

Omi-Hachiman is famous for its historic canals, merchant houses, and traditional crafts, a town known for its cultural heritage and timeless atmosphere.

Trip Ideas in Eastern Shiga

Enjoy Shopping and Gourmet Delights

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Experience Traditional Crafts and the Hikone-jo Castle National Treasure

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Revisit Shiga’s Past and Taste Seasonal Fruit in Yasu

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National Treasure Hikone Castle and Sacred Places

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See Hikone-jo Castle National Treasure and Become Lucky in Love

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#History & Culture / #Nature & Parks

Historic Hikone Castle Walk and Yumekyobashi Shopping

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#History & Culture / #Nature & Parks

Travel Stories in Eastern Shiga

Cycling trip in Shiga, Japan

Travel Tips
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Your Complete Travel Guide to Lake Biwa, Japan’s Largest Lake

Travel Tips
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#History & Culture / #Nature & Parks / #Tour & Activities / #Onsen / #Stay / #Food & Drink / #Shopping

The Samurai Spirits of Shiga

Travel Diaries
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Hyakusaiji& Fuji Honke part3

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Linen Experience in Aisho Town

Travel Diaries
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Tobidashi Boy – Making Japanese Roads Safer for Children

Know Shiga
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Tours & Activities in Eastern Shiga

Roadside Station Higashi Omi City Aito Marguerite Station

Aito Marguerite Station, always bustling with visitors, functions as a rest spot for travelers on the road and a base for imparting information about the local region.

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Botanical Gardens & Parks

Hikone & Kita-Biwako Great Firework Festival

See the town along the banks of the lake illuminated by 6,000 fireworks.

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Culture Workshops
#Instagramable / #Lake Biwa / #Events / #Festivals

Okinahajimeshiki

The “Okinahajimeshiki” is a divine service performed at Taga Taisha Shine to greet the gods at the start of the year.

History & Culture Tour & Activities
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Shrines & Temples
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Hachimanyama Ropeway

This ropeway takes around four minutes to transport you from the base of the mountain to the top, from where you can enjoy a sweeping panorama that includes Lake Biwa, Lake Nishinoko and the old town below, all wreathed in the glory of the current season.

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Mountains & Scenic Trails

Chikubushima Sea Route (Omi Marine)

A route between Hikone Port and Chikubushima.

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Sightseeing Cruises & Rides

Roadside Station Aguri Park Ryuo

The experience and exchange style agricultural park “Aguri Park Ryuo” is a facility where you can enjoy everything the outdoors has to offer, through “looking, picking and eating.

Nature & Parks Tour & Activities Food & Drink Shopping
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Where to Stay in Eastern Shiga

Hotel New Omi

Just one minute on foot from JR Omi-Hachiman Station, this hotel is conveniently located for both business and sightseeing.

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Business Hotels
#Car Parking

Machiya Inn

Omihachiman is a quiet place of history and tradition, located in the lake-land of Shiga.

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Guest Houses & Minshuku
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Guesthouse En

Guesthouse En is located in a small settlement a little distance from the center of Omihachiman, allowing you to enjoy lodging in a real Japanese countryside.

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Guest Houses & Minshuku

Omi-Hino Rural Life Experiences

Proactively accepts educational tours, study tours and other groups of visitors.

Tour & Activities Stay Food & Drink
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Culture Workshops
#Sustainable

Hitomi Sanso

An old house that has accepted just one booking per day since 1979.

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Guest Houses & Minshuku

Guesthouse Mio

Guesthouse Mio is a traditional Japanese townhouse that was renovated in 2018.

Stay
Eastern SHIGA
Guest Houses & Minshuku

Explore More Things to Do in Eastern Shiga

Wondering what to pack for your trip?

Check Shiga’s year-round weather and climate trends to help you prepare for your trip.

Other Areas

Western Shiga

Otsu, Takashima

Northern Shiga

Nagahama, Maibara

Southern Shiga

Kusatsu, Koka, Konan, Moriyama, Ritto, Yasu
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